One week later

Another week passed by so quickly that I haven't had time to update! Everything is good here. The weather is cooling down nicely into the 80's and it makes outdoor time possible all day long for the kids. That is good because they dearly love to be outside getting as dirty as possible. Today a front of some sort is moving through the valley and the high is only going to be 61. Brrr!!! No shorts today! Hope it moves out quickly and gets back to the 80's. :-)

Mark has had even more rain to complicate his harvest schedule. At least the beans are out. Sister Jan told me farmers near them in MN still have beans in the field and that they are beginning to swell and rot. How horrible for those people!

Monday night we met my nephew Erik and niece Lisa and her son Taylor for dinner at Peter Piper Pizza. It was great to see them and Drew and Kayley had fun. It is much nicer than Chuck E. Cheese and the pizza was actually good! We might have to haul grandpa to this place when he arrives.

Megan and I hiked Saturday morning and then they all came to my place to watch the very thrilling Iowa Hawkeye game against Michigan State. What a game! We were so very happy and were jumping and shouting at the last touch down and scared poor Kayley!

This week-end is Halloween so need to buy some candy. Last year the only one that stopped at my place was Drew, so I don't need to buy a lot of treats! Drew is supposed to go as Thomas the tank engine but he is balking at putting on the outfit. It is so cute so I hope he puts it on that night. I may, or may NOT, have pictures of him in it next week. :-)

A beautiful day in the neighborhood

Lovely weather we are having. I just really love October in the desert. Very comfortable days, cooling down a bit in the evenings. The kids and I can take our walks later in the morning if we want but we pretty much always get going by 8:30 a.m. I almost wished I had put socks on Kayley this morning as it was breezy, but once we started walking in the sun all was well.

I am hoping Iowa is receiving great weather, too, so Mark can get back into the fields and harvest but the weather forecast talks more rain. Good grief! That poor state is having atrocious weather. :-(

A short video of the kids:

Ain't no sunshine when she's gone....

AND there ain't no sunshine when she's here! I have been back in Iowa since Wednesday night and have yet to see the sun. I had forgotten how gloomy it can be in the midwest. Oh well, I didn't come here for the weather! Mark and I have been enjoying the days. Good food, lots of laughs and just happy to be together.

I had my teeth checked, my eyes checked and lunch yesterday with Katie and Shari in Webster City. Went to a sports bra (private joke) for lunch and had a great time with two great gals.

Today we watched our Hawkeyes defeat Wisconsin with brother Kevin and that was awesome, too.

Mark and I have grilled every night and it was wonderful. We both decided that the next week will consist of a lot less meat, though! :-)

I fly back to Phoenix tomorrow afternoon. Wonder how the grand kids are doing? :-)

Since it was so gloomy here I will post a couple of pics of Drew and Kayley. Looks like Drew is in need of a little desk, don't you agree?


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Walk, walk, walk!

This week has seen Kayley really take off walking. Not always graceful but getting better each day and she can squat and stand back up and fall down and get back up on her own. Yes, she is going everywhere...FAST! I am getting lots of exercise this week. :-)

Megan and I are going to hike this morning. I am looking forward to that. Ever since Sharon moved to FL I have been hiking alone which is okay but hiking with Megan will be much better!

When we return I am going to help Andy paint their bedroom and bathroom. I love to paint so that is not a chore to me. We will follow that job up with pizza and watching the Iowa Hawkeyes take on Michigan. Go Hawks!

I'm baaack...

I have been so busy flying around the country and babysitting that I haven't had time to post for almost a week. That is unusual for me!

Friday night I took a 7 PM flight out of Phoenix to DM. Due to the time change, didn't arrive there until almost midnight. By the time we drove to the farm it was past 1 AM and didn't get to bed until after 2. Now, that is WELL past grandpa and grandma's bedtime let me tell you! But, I was glad to be on the farm with Mark, regardless the time of arrival.

Saturday morning I got up and went for a jog....in ear muffs, gloves and a warm coat! That is the most clothes I have had on in months. :-) Actually, it felt very invigorating and the air was so clean and crisp. We made BLT's for lunch with Mark's home grown tomatoes....delicious. Then it was time for bloody mary's and a fire and the Hawkeye's playing FB. We had a great day together then grilled t-bone steaks for dinner. Delicious meal once again! Sunday we lounged around until it was time to head back to DM for my 2:50 PM flight. That departure time kept getting delayed....and delayed...and delayed. :-( Mechanical problems with the de-icer wiring on a wing. I was sitting there thinking they wouldn't need to worry about de-icing going to Phoenix! All told I sat in the airport over three hours and then we finally got the go ahead to board. It made for a very long travel day. Such is your life when flying. You just never know.

Now I am back with the grand kids and we are pushing trains and learning to walk all over the house and to take naps without pacifiers. Did I ever mention that I have pretty neat grand babies? Yes, I thought I had. :-)






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